The proof is in the pie chart

Several months ago, a job candidate was starting to develop a case of self-doubt wondering if he would ever get a job. After weeks of searching, spending a great deal of time and effort filling out applications, sending in specific information and waiting, he determined his experience was not what employers wanted.

From there, he began to reason that he might need to lower his sights and look for positions below his skill level and compensation just so he could get a job. He was so frustrated – just about ready to settle for anything – that he tried something new: He laid out his activities in apie chart.

Within minutes of thinking about where he spent his time and energy, it became clear he was putting most his effort in areas that produced the least results.

He was spending 85 percent of his time answering ads, diligently applying everywhere there was a position. The other 15 percent of his time was spent on the No. 1 way to find a job – networking.

This is a common scenario. So many job seekers work very hard but spend an enormous amount of time in the least-productive job-search areas. Once they see the connection between their job-search efforts and the effectiveness of those efforts, they’re relieved to discover it’s not about their skills or backgrounds, it’s about their job-search activities.

Instead of focusing on what’s right or wrong with your search, a better question might be: Where are you spending your time? What worked in past job searches may not be the approach you need to take now. You can have a fantastic attitude, strong skills and be very employable and still get very little response for your efforts, if you rely too heavily on one search activity.

The answer to “what’s wrong” probably will surface when you chart where you spend your time.

One of the best ways to give your search a lift is to conduct a reality check. Using a pie chart to break down your time gives a good perspective on where you are focusing your job-search efforts. Many times, the answer will jump out at you once the chart is done.

Here’s the good news: Once you identify what you need to change, your search will take on renewed energy. If you spend 85 percent of your time on the least-productive search efforts, most likely you will end up with less-productive results. Your search will become an extension of what you do.